Winners Announced 2018 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition

An elite group of twenty of the most talented young opera singers in the country competed this weekend for prestige and cash prizes in the 30th Annual Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition. At the conclusion of this evening's exciting Finals Round, the thrilling centerpiece of The Dallas Opera's annual Springs Gala co-chaired by Susan Geyer and Lynn Mock, the winners were announced from the stage of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas:

The $10,000 Bessylee Penland First Prize, presented by 2018 Vocal Competition Co-Chairs Patsy and Bob Brooks, was awarded to American countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen

The $5,000 Second Prize, presented by 2018 Dallas Opera Guild Co-Presidents Jan and James Clay, went to Canadian tenor Josh Lovell

The Third Prize of $2,500, was presented by this year's special honorees, Phyllis and Tom McCasland, to Mexican tenor Mario Rojas

The $1,000 "People's Choice Award," presented by Katherine and Michael Phillips, was awarded to countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen

This year, the twenty semi-finalists were selected from a group of 310 applicants from 35 states (residents of the U.S. territories are eligible to apply for the prestigious competition, as well) by a panel of preliminary judges that included American pianist and educator Dr. Brian Zeger of the Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts at The Juilliard School, and David Lomeli, Casting and Hart Institute for Women Conductors Manager.

"We are very proud to collaborate with our Guild on this extraordinary showcase," says Kern Wildenthal, The Dallas Opera's Interim General Director and CEO. "This is a great opportunity for the entire community to experience opera's exciting 'next wave,' and to show their enthusiastic support for the dreams of these outstanding young artists-including those destined to dazzle us with their gifts for many years to come."

The Semi-Finals Round took place yesterday, Friday, April 27th as twenty young artists vied for the coveted position of finalist. The six finalists competed this evening, accompanied by the Dallas Opera Orchestra under the baton of the internationally renowned Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director, Emmanuel Villaume.

After lengthy deliberations from the judges' panel, six singers were selected to move into today's Finals Round: tenor Taylor Comstock, bass Patrick Guetti, tenor Josh Lovell, mezzo-soprano Lindsay Metzger, countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, and tenor Mario Rojas.

Dallas Opera Guild Co-Presidents Jan and James Clay explain, "Our exciting annual competition is the most high-profile facet of The Dallas Opera Guild's year-long commitment to support exceptionally talented young opera artists. The future of opera, not only in Texas, but throughout the world, is dependent on the discovery and development of bright new talent. The Guild takes that part of our mission very seriously, and we are delighted at the number of people who turned out tonight to show their support for these fine young singers!"

Dallas Opera Guild 2018 Vocal Competition Chairs Patsy and Bob Brooks wrote: "The Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition gives singers pursuing a professional opera career the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete with other singers for financial rewards. Best of all is the chance to perform before a panel of distinguished judges celebrated throughout the opera world."

The Finals Round was preceded by a seated gala dinner prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering, as well as a special dinner for 100 high school and university students from Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, Southern Methodist University, Uplift Williams Preparatory, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Dallas, and Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center who attended the vocal competition finals this year.

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